Perfectionism is Holding You Back by Carly Jenner
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How Leaders Can Embrace Imperfection
Leaders and high achievers often wear perfectionism as a badge of honour. A mark of excellence – constantly striving for better results, holding themselves to high standards, and pushing to exceed expectations. But in reality, perfectionism is a heavy burden to carry.
How might perfectionism manifest?
● Unrelenting Self-Criticism: Constantly judging yourself for not meeting impossible standards, even when others praise your work.
● Pressure to Perform: An internal pressure to be flawless resulting in a reluctance to delegate or take risks.
● Fear of Judgment: Worrying about how you’ll be perceived if you show any signs of imperfection or vulnerability.
● Overworking: Spending excessive time refining your work to the point it affects productivity and well-being.
For leaders, the stakes feel even higher, because every action is seen as a reflection of their capability. And while striving for excellence is important, the trap of perfectionism can lead to burnout, stifled creativity, and missed opportunities.
Why is perfectionism so challenging for high achievers and how to overcome it?
1. Fear of Failure One of the biggest barriers perfectionist leaders face is the fear of failure.
The idea of not meeting a goal or making a mistake can feel catastrophic. We often equate success with our worth, leading to a paralysing fear of taking risks or embracing new opportunities. I’ve had countless moments where I’ve hesitated to apply for a more senior role or to pursue a new challenge simply because I feared I wouldn’t measure up. To break free from this mindset, we must redefine what failure means. Failure is not a reflection of our value—it’s a learning opportunity. Ask yourself: How can you reframe failure in your own mind? Can you shift from seeing it as a setback to viewing it as a necessary step toward growth? Leaders who embrace failure as part of their journey tend to make bolder decisions, innovate more freely, and ultimately, achieve more.
2. Comparison to Others
In our hyper-connected, social media-driven world, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of comparison. We scroll through curated, filtered versions of other people’s lives and feel inadequate in comparison. It can feel like everyone else has it together—flawless careers, vibrant personal lives, and endless success stories—while we’re quietly struggling behind the scenes.
But here’s the truth: Every leader, no matter how polished they may seem, has their struggles. The key is to focus on your own journey. Define success by your own standards, not someone else’s highlight reel. As leaders, we must avoid the toxicity of comparison and instead celebrate the wins that are unique to our own path.
3. Overwhelming High Standards
Many leaders set impossibly high standards for themselves—whether it’s in their careers, personal lives, or health. And while aiming high is admirable, constantly striving for perfection in every area of life can lead to burnout, frustration, and a sense of inadequacy when we fall short.
To counteract this, we need to embrace progress over perfection. Success isn’t about having it all figured out, but about continuously improving, learning, and growing. Set realistic goals, take pride in your progress, and remember that it’s okay to allow yourself some grace.
Why is embracing imperfection the key to growth?
By embracing imperfection, leaders can unlock a new level of potential—both for themselves and their teams. When we let go of the need to be perfect, we create space for innovation, authenticity, and connection. We free ourselves from the weight of constant pressure and we also model resilience and adaptability for those around us.
What is one step you can take today to embrace your imperfections?